Busan to Guide Shark 'Bukan' to Open Sea Using Boats and Water Pumps

As a large shark known as 'Bukan' has been lingering in an artificial waterway at a park in Busan, local authorities are taking additional measures as of September 28.

The city of Busan announced that a meeting was held at the North Port, where it was decided to use boats and water pumps to guide Bukan to the open sea starting at 10 a.m. on September 29.

Authorities plan to create a water flow toward the sea using boats and water pumps to encourage Bukan to move on its own. They have opted against capturing the shark directly or using physical stimuli.

This decision was made considering the width and depth of the waterway and the limited movement and feeding opportunities for the shark. There are concerns that prolonged stay in the waterway could lead to a decline in the shark's stamina.

The operation will involve the National Fisheries Research Institute, along with the city of Busan, Busan Port Authority, Busan Facilities Corporation, maritime police, fire department, police, and Dong-gu district. In anticipation of a large crowd of citizens and tourists on September 29, the city plans to deploy safety management personnel.

Meanwhile, according to Busan Facilities Corporation, the number of visitors to the waterfront park to see Bukan has reached a total of 607,000 since official counts began on September 19, as of 6 p.m. on the same day.